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Abilene High entering district 3-6A play against Richland

Richland (2-2) vs Abilene High (3-1)

7:30 P.M. FRIDAY * SHOTWELL STADIUM * KTLT-FM 98.1

What's riding on the game: This Friday marks the start of a new season as teams will now be playing for playoff spots with the district season underway. Richland will be in a unique position — as the team will have its' first game outside the metroplex when Rebels come to Abilene. Richland's longest away game was a 50 mile trip to Rockwall-Heath. The Rebels won that game 28-14 on Sept. 14.

Last week: The Eagles won their third consecutive game in a slug-it-out, defensive game that included three fumbles and two interceptions between Abilene and Midland. However, the Eagles early start in the rain provided them with enough offense as the defense pitched a shutout as AHS won 13-0. Richland, on the other hand, lost badly to Texas' 56th ranked Arlington Lamar 58-8. It was the Rebels worst loss of the season however, the team has not lost two games in a row all season as they'll look to keep that trend going this week.

Scouting Richland: Like most teams, the Rebels run a prototypical spread offense with four wide receivers and one back. Richland's run game is led by junior running back Brandon Johnson who's already racked up 79 carries for 302 yards. The teams starting quarterback is Gavin Colopy, who likes to use play action passing to throw the ball to his receivers. While Colopy has already thrown for 742 yards, he's struggled with turnovers as he's thrown five interceptions compared to only two touchdowns. Colopy's top target is Rashee Rice. Rice had 28 catches for 474 yards and one 72 yard touchdown.

Eagles update: After three consecutive weeks failing to reach 100 yards rushing the Eagles nearly tripled their rushing yards per game average as quarterback Kallin Sipe ran for 116, running back Xavier Carrilllo ran for 92, and running back Esai Jaques ran for 72. The Eagles are also getting starting running back Phonzo Dotson back this week after missing the Midland game due to injury. In weeks two and three the Eagles relied on their downfield passing attack, but with the bad weather on Friday, the Eagles finally got some production from their running backs. Weather isn't likely to play a factor on Friday so the Eagles will look to use a balanced attack against the Rebels.

What the Eagles need to do to win: The Eagles have often been forced to pass in long down and distance situation, however, with the improved play last week from the offensive line and running backs AHS should look to run on early downs and convert short third downs. The defense also will need to continue their stellar play as the team has allowed 13 points or less in three of the Eagles four games so far. With both teams showing the ability to be explosive on offense, the game could come down to who doesn't turn the ball over.